Masters of Public Health

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/1046

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Browsing Masters of Public Health by Subject "mixed methods"

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    EXPLORING COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS CEREBRAL PALSY FAMILY REHABILITATIVE SERVICES IN KAWEMPE DIVISION, KAMPALA
    (Uganda Christian University, 2025-10-03) Nakalembe Ruth
    Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of childhood disability worldwide, with a disproportionate burden in low-resource settings. In Uganda, research has largely focused on the clinical aspects of CP, with limited attention to community knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to rehabilitation, particularly in urban informal settlements. This study explored community knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and challenges in accessing family-directed CP rehabilitation services in Kawempe Division, Kampala. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 306 community members. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed descriptively and through regression modeling to determine predictors of CP knowledge. Qualitative data were generated from eight focus group discussions and five key informant interviews with community residents, caregivers, health workers, and opinion leaders. Thematic analysis was performed, and findings were triangulated to enhance interpretation. Results: Of the 306 participants, 57% (174/306) had ever heard of CP. While 73% (223/306) recognized mobility challenges as symptoms, only 42% (128/306) correctly identified CP as a neurological condition, and none mentioned physiotherapy as part of management. Knowledge was significantly higher among older participants, those with higher education, and those who personally knew a family with a child with CP (AOR = 6.0, 95% CI: 3.6–10.0, p < 0.001). Community attitudes showed limited acceptance: only 44% (134/306) felt comfortable interacting with individuals with CP, and 30% (92/306) would object to their child playing with a child with CP. Stigma was reinforced by misconceptions, with 22% (67/306) perceiving CP as a curse. Despite this, 86% (263/306) recognized rehabilitation as very important, and nearly all (98%, 300/306) emphasized the need for healthcare worker training in CP care. Access to services was constrained by financial costs (73%), lack of awareness (62%), stigma (51%), and transport barriers (41%). Qualitative narratives underscored affordability struggles, reliance on traditional healers, and limited community support. Conclusion: Awareness of cerebral palsy in Kawempe Division remains limited, with misconceptions and stigma continuing to shape community attitudes. Access to rehabilitation is further constrained by financial, informational, and service-related barriers. Strengthening community education, enhancing healthcare worker training, and expanding affordable, community-based rehabilitation services are critical to promoting inclusion and improving the quality of life for children with CP and their families in urban Uganda.
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    EXPLORING COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS CEREBRAL PALSY FAMILY REHABILITATIVE SERVICES IN KAWEMPE DIVISION, KAMPALA
    (Uganda Christian University, 2025-10-03) Nakalembe Ruth
    ABSTRACT Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of childhood disability worldwide, with a disproportionate burden in low-resource settings. In Uganda, research has largely focused on the clinical aspects of CP, with limited attention to community knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to rehabilitation, particularly in urban informal settlements. This study explored community knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and challenges in accessing family-directed CP rehabilitation services in Kawempe Division, Kampala. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 306 community members. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed descriptively and through regression modeling to determine predictors of CP knowledge. Qualitative data were generated from eight focus group discussions and five key informant interviews with community residents, caregivers, health workers, and opinion leaders. Thematic analysis was performed, and findings were triangulated to enhance interpretation. Results: Of the 306 participants, 57% (174/306) had ever heard of CP. While 73% (223/306) recognized mobility challenges as symptoms, only 42% (128/306) correctly identified CP as a neurological condition, and none mentioned physiotherapy as part of management. Knowledge was significantly higher among older participants, those with higher education, and those who personally knew a family with a child with CP (AOR = 6.0, 95% CI: 3.6–10.0, p < 0.001). Community attitudes showed limited acceptance: only 44% (134/306) felt comfortable interacting with individuals with CP, and 30% (92/306) would object to their child playing with a child with CP. Stigma was reinforced by misconceptions, with 22% (67/306) perceiving CP as a curse. Despite this, 86% (263/306) recognized rehabilitation as very important, and nearly all (98%, 300/306) emphasized the need for healthcare worker training in CP care. Access to services was constrained by financial costs (73%), lack of awareness (62%), stigma (51%), and transport barriers (41%). Qualitative narratives underscored affordability struggles, reliance on traditional healers, and limited community support. Conclusion: Awareness of cerebral palsy in Kawempe Division remains limited, with misconceptions and stigma continuing to shape community attitudes. Access to rehabilitation is further constrained by financial, informational, and service-related barriers. Strengthening community education, enhancing healthcare worker training, and expanding affordable, community-based rehabilitation services are critical to promoting inclusion and improving the quality of life for children with CP and their families in urban Uganda.